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Political reform in Bahrain will be limited

Location:

BAHRAIN

The deal enhances US security cooperation with Manama. However, Bahraini civil society advocates are concerned that the defence agreement has put building Gulf security ahead of…

Religious tolerance aids the Gulf’s expats and rulers

Location:

GULF STATES

The pope’s trip highlights the efforts of several Gulf countries to brand themselves as religiously tolerant. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are also hoping that the promotion of…

Cutbacks increase risk of elite infighting in Qatar

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QATAR

Qatar domestic politics.

Economic goals of Dubai and Abu Dhabi will diverge

Location:

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Despite its promotion of an innovation ecosystem to attract start-ups, Abu Dhabi has overall made little progress in addressing the impact of the clean-energy transition on…

Saudi presence in the Balkans could grow

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SAUDI ARABIA

Recent engagement with Montenegro is testimony to this, reflecting Saudi religious and economic interests in the region. Traditionally, Turkey enjoyed influence in the Balkans…

Egypt may push more unpopular policies post-referendum

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EGYPT

Egypt's post-referendum policy agenda.

Saudi leadership changes may face internal opposition

Location:

SAUDI ARABIA

Deputy Crown Prince and Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef (55) replaces Salman's half-brother, Muqrin (69), as crown prince, making him the first of the next generation of…

NEOM is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s green rebranding

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SAUDI ARABIA

NEOM is a futuristic smart urban centre and tourism hub in north-western Saudi Arabia. The official rhetoric associated with the launch of NEOM emphasises the project’s…

Saudi bureaucratic lag will hamper change

Location:

SAUDI ARABIA

The state is central both in the economy and in the lives of citizens. Government has been the key driver of economic diversification, but it also poses major obstacles to private…

Saudi capital spending allocations are on the rise

Location:

SAUDI ARABIA

However, because of the large surplus of 2.5% recorded in that year, Riyadh’s public debt is only about 25% of GDP, providing the government and the country’s sovereign wealth…